By Editorial Staff / Social Media Image

Tactical Masterclass: Arbeloa’s Real Madrid Dismantles Monaco

The recent clash between Real Madrid and Monaco, which ended in a resounding rout for the Spanish side, delivered one of the richest tactical displays of the season. Under the guidance of Álvaro Arbeloa, the Madrid squad demonstrated a strategic maturity that completely neutralized the opponent through alternating dynamic roles and suffocating pressure.

A Core Formation with Offensive Nuances

Real Madrid took to the pitch in a classic 4-3-3, but with specific roles that dictated the flow of the match. With Courtois between the posts, the backline featured Hausen and Raúl Asencio as center-backs, flanked by Valverde on the right and the major tactical novelty: Eduardo Camavinga as left-back.

In the engine room, Tchouaméni acted as the holding midfielder (pivot), escorted by Bellingham and Arda Güler as central midfielders (interiores). The frontline focused on mobility: Mbappé as the central reference, Vinicius in his natural habitat on the left, and Fran occupying the right flank.

Camavinga’s Versatility: The X-Factor

Match analysis highlights Camavinga as the axis of tactical variations. The Frenchman interpreted two crucial roles depending on his teammates' positioning:

•   The "Inverted Full-back": When Vinicius provided width on the wing, Camavinga moved inside to form a double pivot alongside Tchouaméni. This maneuver granted numerical superiority in the buildup zone and allowed Hausen to carry the ball forward more freely from defense.
•   Traditional Width: Conversely, when Vinicius moved into central areas, Camavinga resumed his role as a deep overlapping full-back to exploit the wing, providing the team with an unpredictability that plagued the Monegasque defense.

Verticality and Exploiting Space

The goal-scoring efficiency was no accident. The opening goal stemmed from a brilliant static attack, where Fede Valverde broke through the half-space to connect with Kylian Mbappé. Beyond mere possession, Arbeloa’s plan involved inviting Monaco to play out from the back, stretching their lines to subsequently punish them through lethal, rapid transitions.

Bellingham: The Engine of Total Pressure

The defensive phase was perhaps the team’s highest point. The strategy focused on high-press recoveries, suffocating Monaco’s buildup directly from goal kicks.

Within this system, Jude Bellingham delivered a performance described as "absolute madness." The Englishman established himself as the defensive leader of the high block with 18 defensive actions, figures that confirm him as one of the best ball-winners in Europe. This effort was bolstered by Arda Güler and Camavinga, closing every escape route for the visiting side.

Conclusion: Arbeloa’s Trademark

The match concluded with the feeling of having witnessed a tactical masterclass. Absolute dominance in every facet of the game—from high-block pressure to static space management—faithfully reflects the identity Álvaro Arbeloa seeks to project onto this Real Madrid: a versatile, physical, and tactically impeccable side.